<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Susieq04: Most liekly you will have to turn any funds leftover in the PTA account over to your State PTA..... I would jsut to be on the safe side talk over the idea with school admminitsration and see what their views are on this--Remember they have more control over a PTO then a PTA.<hr></blockquote>
Hi AZinPA -
It can be confusing, and there are slightly different PTA bylaws in different states that tend to make this national forum a bit tricky.
Just to respond to the two (quoted) points from Susie, I guess i disagree on both fronts.
1. Of the hundreds and hundreds of PTA-PTO changes I've heard about/from, I haven't heard of a single case where the local had to turn $$ over to the state PTA. There are many ways of handling that.
2. As far as PTOs being more under the control of the school admin than PTAs are -- that's completely up to the local group. If your PTO is a 501(c)(3), then you have exactly the same legal independence as a PTA.
I'm a bit confused. I thought I'd seen previous discussions on the remaining funds issue. I could have sworn organizations have simply given any balance to their school who turned it back over after the vote. Our PTA has far too much in the bank to even think about giving it to the state. (I've been told this is one of the scare tactics they'll use when talking to our membership.) Also, I'm not aware of our school district having more control over PTO's vs. PTA's. Could you elaborate? Thanks by the way for responding. I appreciate it!
Check your bylaws for the ampount of votes and what type of notificaton your membership requires..Remeber Exec Board of a PTA does not have final say- It is up to membership--Then as you stated your bylaws require notification to State- i would call your District leader or State and advise them and then send it in certified. they will be able to tell you better about your funds..Most liekly you will have to turn any funds leftover in the PTA account over to your State PTA. You can start your PTO right away by filing all paperwork required in regards to Incorporating, getting insurance to cover bonding of officers, liabilty up to $1 million, fidelity insurance and property damage. Also get started on tax exempt application with the IRS--Do not use PTA funds to do this(could get you in big trouble espedially if membership does not approve amending the budget. but as a PTA you have your resoursces who will advise you on how to disband- will they be happy no- but if your membership approves of the dissolving then they will proceed to tell you what is needed to dissolve--i do not expect them to tell you how to start a PTO. I would jsut to be on the safe side talk over the idea with school admminitsration and see what their views are on this--Remember they have more control over a PTO then a PTA.
I am currently a PTA President. I am enthusiastic about switching to a PTO and my executive board is behind me 100%. I have already drafted PTO By Laws and Articles of Incorporation and well as researched 501(c)3 info. What is my next step? Our current by laws require that we notify the state PTA. Do I simply call them up? Can we form a PTO before dissolving our PTA? We have funds in our accounts. Can we give the money to our school, who in turn can give it to our new PTO? I really want to have all of our "ducks in a row". Any advice would be great! Thanks.
